She grew up in such a family, never received love, and no one taught her how to love. As a result, she developed an extremely self-centered personality. She appeared to treat life as a game, but in reality, she was indifferent inside and found it hard to empathize with others. Only when it came to pretty children could she muster a bit of patience and genuine care.

Smiling, she said to him, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Charles Baker seemed to understand, becoming even happier, grinning so widely that drool dripped down his chin. He pulled out a sticky handful of preserved fruit from his pocket and offered it to her like a treasure: “Eat, little sister, eat, it’s tasty!”

He must have hidden it secretly; the preserved fruit was all stuck together and looked dirty. Grace Baker was the pickiest eater, so of course she wouldn’t eat it. She coaxed him, “Little sister won’t eat, big brother eats, it’s all for big brother.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, so gentle that even she thought it sounded nice.

Charles Baker inherited his mother’s looks. Even though he was a fool, it didn’t affect his appearance. He nodded happily and stuffed all the preserved fruit into his own mouth.

Grace Baker took the opportunity to get out of bed and look for a mirror.

As she expected, the little girl in the bronze mirror had delicate, sculpted features, lively and adorable, with a dimple on her cheek when she smiled—so cute it could kill. She was sure to be beautiful when she grew up.

As a hardcore face-enthusiast, Grace Baker was very satisfied.

When Violet Morgan came in, she saw Charles Baker with his face covered in sugar, and pulled him over with a helpless look: “Didn’t mother say that your little sister is sick, and you can’t come bother her?”

Charles Baker said aggrievedly, “Miss little sister, want to play with little sister.”

Violet Morgan didn’t seem to mind her foolish son at all. In the harem, where a mother’s status depended on her son, Charles Baker’s existence had cut off all her prospects, but she still gave her children all the protection and love a mother could offer, without reservation.

Grace Baker figured out her surroundings over the course of breakfast.

The place where Violet Morgan lived was called Mingyue Palace. She stayed in a side hall, while ahead of her was Edward Harris, who held a higher rank and lived in the main hall.

There were only two palace maids serving them. One was named Lillian Reed, the same girl Grace Baker saw when she woke up yesterday, who had entered the palace with Violet Morgan and was a maid from her own family.

The other was a palace maid named Hazel, who had received kindness from Violet Morgan. While others tried every way to leave this un-favored, profitless place, she chose to stay voluntarily.

There was also just one old matron, who had served in Mingyue Palace for years. She was of high seniority, and Violet Morgan rarely called on her. Grace Baker met her at mealtime, and both sides were very polite.

All in all, the situation was rather bleak. Grace Baker thought about it for a long time and comforted herself that at least it was peaceful.

Being out of favor had its advantages—at least no one was watching you, and you didn’t have to deal with endless schemes. You could close your doors and live quietly, which was pretty nice.

After all, she needed time to adapt to her new environment and identity, so she decided to observe for now.

Don’t stir up trouble, just be a good person.

Yes.

But before noon, Hazel came running in anxiously. Grace Baker was still lying by the bed watching Violet Morgan embroider when she heard her say, “Madam, someone from Consort Jing’s palace is here! They’re looking for the princess.”

Violet Morgan frowned. “What’s the matter?”

Hazel said worriedly, “The Third Princess has had a high fever since last night and keeps saying she saw the little princess standing at her door. The imperial physician has seen her, but she’s not getting better. Consort Jing sent word that... that it must be because the little princess offended the Third Princess at Linxing Pavilion yesterday, so she wants the little princess to come and apologize.”

It took Grace Baker a while to sort out the relationships.

The Third Princess was Ethan Baker, the one who pushed her into the water yesterday. Consort Jing was Ethan Baker’s mother.

The would-be murderer had scared herself sick and now wanted the victim to apologize?

Grace Baker thought this harem was quite interesting.

Chapter 2 【02】

There weren’t many people at Linxing Pavilion yesterday. When she argued with Ethan Baker, only a few of Ethan Baker’s maids were nearby. Judging by Violet Morgan’s reaction, Grace Baker guessed that even she didn’t know the truth about the incident.

Consort Jing definitely knew, but now she was turning the tables.

The ranks in the harem of the Great Lin Dynasty were similar to those of the Ming Dynasty in history. Above Violet Morgan were the ranks of Cairen, Meiren, Jieyu, Zhaoyi, and then higher up were Pin, Fei, Guifei, and finally the Empress.

Once Consort Jing spoke, no matter how angry or unwilling Violet Morgan was, she could only take Grace Baker and hurry to Zhaoyang Palace.

Compared to Violet Morgan’s nervousness, Grace Baker seemed very calm, even taking the time to admire the scenery of the palace along the way. It was already late autumn, with crabapple and hibiscus flowers in full bloom, pavilions and terraces arranged gracefully, and the palaces grand and imposing. Compared to the Forbidden City she had visited on spring outings in her previous life, this place was just as impressive, if not more vibrant.

It seemed that only her little side hall was cold and deserted; outside, it was lively and beautiful.

She enjoyed the scenery all the way, and when they arrived at Zhaoyang Palace, she could hear a girl wailing from afar. Mixed in were frantic scoldings, and as they reached the door, Grace Baker heard a shrill voice curse, “Has that little wretch arrived yet? Does this palace have to go fetch her personally?!”

The head palace maid beside Consort Jing was waiting at the door. When she saw Violet Morgan leading Grace Baker in, she immediately went in to report. Consort Jing soon came out—another delicate beauty, but in Grace Baker’s eyes, she was far inferior to Violet Morgan.

Sigh, with looks like that she could rise to the rank of Consort, while someone as stunning as Violet Morgan was only a Guiren.